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Healthcare Access & Support

Critical Advisory - February 2025

A new executive order threatens to withhold federal funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to people under 19. Some hospitals (including NYU Langone) have already begun canceling appointments for youth patients (NYT, Feb 1, 2025). If you're affected:

  • Contact your provider immediately to understand their current policies
  • Ask about referrals to alternate providers if needed
  • Connect with support networks for up-to-date provider lists
  • Consider providers in neighboring states if local care is disrupted
  • Document everything, including cancellations and referrals

Changing Landscape

Healthcare access and coverage policies are in flux under the current administration. We're monitoring changes and updating this information as our community shares new experiences and strategies.

Time-Tested Wisdom

Our communities have developed reliable approaches over decades of navigating healthcare systems:

  • Build relationships with providers before urgent needs arise
  • Document experiences and share provider reviews through trusted networks
  • Keep paper copies of all medical records and prescriptions
  • Maintain connections with multiple pharmacies and providers
  • Know your rights and practice advocating for yourself
  • Help others learn from your experiences

Current Situation

Primary Care Challenge

Community members consistently report that finding affirming primary care physicians (PCPs) is often more challenging than connecting with specialists. While specialist referral networks are well-documented, finding a supportive PCP for routine care requires more community knowledge sharing. Some patterns that help:

  • Ask specialists which PCPs their other patients recommend
  • Look for providers who list "LGBT health" or "gender-affirming care" under their general practice
  • Connect with support groups to learn which local practices have served community members well
  • Consider practices that work with HIV+ patients, as they often have more inclusive care models
  • Document and share experiences of affirming primary care through trusted channels

We're actively tracking and verifying:

  • Major hospital systems' responses to the new executive order
  • Changes to insurance coverage and requirements
  • Provider policies and practices
  • Pharmacy policies around medication access
  • New barriers and how people are navigating them
  • Community solutions that are working right now
  • Alternative provider networks and backup options

Share Your Knowledge

If you've recently navigated healthcare access, please share your experiences through trusted channels. What worked? What didn't? What's changed?

Backup Plans Are Critical

Given the rapidly changing situation, we strongly recommend: - Having backup providers identified in multiple locations - Keeping detailed records of all medical documentation - Building connections with providers in different jurisdictions - Staying connected with support networks for real-time updates - Having emergency plans ready before you need them

Building Healthcare Networks

Time-tested patterns for sustainable access:

  • Connect with providers who have track records with our community
  • Share provider information through trusted introductions
  • Keep lists of backup providers and pharmacies
  • Document successful approaches and share them
  • Build relationships with supportive staff members
  • Know your backup plans and emergency options

Emergency Access

Community-tested protocols:

  • Have multiple ways to access necessary care
  • Keep emergency supplies distributed across trusted networks
  • Know which providers and ERs have proven supportive
  • Maintain current lists of advocacy resources
  • Practice your emergency plans before you need them

Medication Access

Wisdom from decades of community experience:

  • Build relationships with multiple pharmacies
  • Keep paper copies of all prescriptions
  • Know your backup access options
  • Document what works at different pharmacies
  • Share successful strategies through trusted channels
  • Help others learn from your experiences

Real-time Updates

Healthcare policies and practices are changing frequently. Connect with local support networks for the most current information and strategies.

Need Healthcare Help?

Connect with trusted community members who can share current strategies and introduce you to supportive providers. We keep each other healthy by sharing knowledge and support.

Remember: These aren't just guidelines - they're living practices refined through generations of community care. Add your experiences, adapt these approaches, and pass them on.

Community Wisdom

"The best time to find healthcare is before you need it. The second best time is now." - Passed down through our networks